Caerphilly Town Council to discuss Welsh Independence

Caerphilly Town Council is set to discuss a motion on Welsh Independence at its next meeting on Monday, July 15.

If passed, the Plaid Cymru-run town council would be the first in south Wales to support leaving the UK.

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The full motion reads: “To propose that Caerphilly Town Council notes the recent surge of support for an Independent Wales, including the march for independence in Cardiff on May 11, 2019, which drew a crowd of thousands.

“We note also that other town and community councils in Wales have made similar statements.

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“Propose that this council supports the campaign for Welsh Independence and the benefits it could bring to local communities in Wales.”

The motion has been proposed by Plaid town councillor Jeff Grenfell.

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Cllr Grenfell said: “This motion will allow the town council to debate the issue which more and more people are talking to me about.

“I was elected as a Plaid Cymru candidate and it is of course something I believe passionately in.

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“My priority as a local councillor is working for and improving the town of Caerphilly and independence would improve our capabilities to do that.”

Cllr Jackson said: “I believe that there is an appetite to discuss Independence and explore the opportunities as well as the challenges that Independence would bring.

“In Caerphilly as a whole, more people voted Plaid Cymru in the local elections in 2017 than any other party.

“People know we stand for Independence and trust us to deliver at a local level.

“We believe the commitment we show to our communities can be replicated at a national level.

Cllr Jackson added: “By declaring our support for Independence, I hope it will help get people talking.”

However, Cllr Jamie Pritchard, who represents Labour on the town council, accused Plaid of directing tax payers money towards the independence cause.

Cllr Pritchard said: “Whatever your views on Welsh Independence, the town council precept should not be used to pay for officer time to compile reports on motions that won’t lead to one penny of investment for local groups in Caerphilly Town.

“Plaid Cymru raised the precept by a massive 10.7% this financial year and this is what it’s going on. The public will take a dim view of time and resources being directed away from worthwhile causes and towards things that only Plaid Cymru believe to be in their political interest.”

Earlier this week, First Minister Mark Drakeford admitted that if Scotland were to leave the UK, Wales might have to assess the idea of following suit.

When pressed by South Wales East AM Delyth Jewell in an External Affairs Committee meeting at the National Assembly on Monday, July 8, Mr Drakeford said that “any sensible political party or government would have to reassess Wales’ place” if Scotland were to become an independent nation.

However, Mr Drakeford did reiterate his belief that it would be in Wales’ best interests to remain a part of the UK.